CFM expands footprint in Russia

CFM International continues to maintain a strong leadership position within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with CFM56 and LEAP engines in service or on order to power more than 490 single-aisle Airbus and Boeing aircraft for 29 operators throughout the region. In June, VEB Leasing became the launch customer in Russia for CFM’s advanced LEAP-1A engine with an order for 40 LEAP-1A engines to power Airbus A320neo aircraft. The leasing company also ordered 44 LEAP-1B engines for new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes.
The LEAP product line has had a successful entry into service with the LEAP-1A beginning commercial operations with Pegasus in August 2016 and the LEAP-1B with Malindo in May 2017. There are about 80 LEAP-powered airplanes currently in service with 18 operators. Since the first CFM56 engines were delivered in the CIS, the overall fleet has steadily grown to today’s total of 794 engines. Aeroflot has the largest fleet in Russia, operating nearly 200 CFM-powered aircraft. This fleet continues to maintain the industry-leading reliability that is the hallmark of the CFM56 product line. In addition to its very important customer base, CFM also sources several million dollars in parts for both its CFM56 and LEAP product lines from Russia’s VolgAero, and VSMPO. This is part of CFM’s strategy to continually develop long-term relationships within the Russian aerospace industry.